Making a Difference

I can’t believe it’s almost been a year and a half since Gilchrist Center Howard County opened in May 2011. In this time, we have taken care of over 600 patients and their families at this wonderful and much-needed inpatient hospice center.

I recently received a note from friends Mary & Joe Barbera, who had visited a mutual friend of ours at GCHC. In that note, they had nothing but praise for the new center: “Everyone who had visited commented on what a wonderfully comfortable place it is,” they wrote. “This is now our third friend that has been in hospice at Gilchrist over the past year. Please know that your ministry truly is making a difference in our community.” When I met up with them a few days later, they again told me how much they appreciated GCHC and the care we provided for their friends. I thanked them for their support, both past and present, of our efforts to provide the finest in end of life care.

It makes me feel so proud to be a part of the end of life care provided by our skilled staff and to know that they are offering comfort to the families we serve. While I am not involved directly with patient care, I hear from families and staff about the extraordinary work being done at GCHC and feel grateful to be part of such an important time in these families’ lives. It is my job to help raise the money that helps support this crucial resource and to ensure its continued presence in the county.

The Barberas, owners of Aida Bistro & Wine Bar in Howard County, will again take part, as they have for many years, in the annual Taste & Auction of Howard County. Because of their continued support and the support of the other 25 restaurants and caterers who are donating their time and scrumptious food at this year’s Taste GCHC will continue to receive the funds it needs to operate. All proceeds from sponsorships, a cash raffle, silent and live auctions and ticket sales for the 2012 Taste event, which will be held Sunday, October 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Turf Valley in Ellicott City, will again be earmarked for GCHC.